Good news: Expansion of automated ticket machines across Hungary’s public transport system
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The MÁV-VOLÁN Group is continuing its efforts to simplify public transportation in Hungary, not only through the introduction of new fare reforms and the implementation of county and national passes but also by significantly increasing the number of ticket machines for both rail and bus services. As part of this initiative, 110 new machines will be installed across the country, with a total investment of HUF 1.1 billion (EUR 2.75 million). These include 93 machines for the Volánbusz network, 11 for HÉV lines, and 6 for MÁV-START, enhancing the existing infrastructure.
Number of ticket machines to increase
With this new deployment, the total number of ticket machines nationwide will rise to 658, reflecting a growing trend among passengers who prefer to purchase their tickets and passes through self-service platforms, either online or at ticket machines, Economx reports based on MÁV’s statement.
The installation of the new machines began on 7 October along the H5 and H8 HÉV lines. By mid-October, all 11 machines planned for these routes will be operational at key locations including Budakalász, Pomáz, and Gödöllő, among others. This will allow passengers to buy tickets at all suburban stops on these lines. In addition, county and national passes, which are valid on both HÉV and BKK services in Budapest, will also be available at these machines.
A notable change set to take effect from 15 October is that passengers on the Szentendre and Gödöllő HÉV lines will be required to have a valid ticket before beginning their journey. In the initial phase, passengers who board without a ticket will be warned until the end of November, after which they will be subject to a surcharge unless they purchase their ticket from a conductor.
Many ticket machines will only accept card payments
By the end of 2024, 70 of the planned 110 machines are expected to be operational, with the remaining units being installed by mid-2025 at Volánbusz and MÁV-START stations. Of the 93 machines set to be placed at Volánbusz stations, 30 will only accept card payments, while the others will accept both cash and card. The machines will be distributed across different regions, with 49 units going to the central region, including Pest and Fejér counties, 15 to the western region, and 29 to the eastern region, covering major bus stations in larger cities.
